No lawyer.
However, for about half the price you can get an excellent paralegal who will do fine for you.
We went to a lawyer when in the accident and ended up having a staff paralegal handle our case. made a huge difference in what they would take from the settlement (about 10%). Anyway, if you go to small claims court lawyers are not allowed (in Calif at least). Since you should be able to get a complete rebuild for under $5K you won't need to go anywhere else.

Expert witness: Dealer Mech. No one will argue his qualifications.
Have the dealer farm out the rebuild as required and they will likely supply the mechanic in court. Second best is an indy with a long MB track record.

About the rebuild: The tow company CAN NOT FIX IT!. you pick the shop, they can write the check. Same as collision body work. The insurance company can recommend a shop, but they can't force you to use a shop.

Finally: AAA is a great company. If need be file a claim on your comp. insurance (if you have it). Then it will be your insurance's lawyers after the tow company and not you. Ask your claims agent if this is an option, it was for me in a similar condition (they dropped my car off a lift).

Cheers and good luck.
-nB

__________________
'83 300D Turbo
Current: ???K mi - 19.2mpg -> 17.4mpg -> 22.9mpg ---> ODO Died
bought at: 233.8K mi - 10MPG For $1.00
3.5 cylinders work: 320 320 100 340 280
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